Good Morning!
Today we’re listening to “King For A Day” by XTC
On XTC’s “Mayor Of Simpleton,” Andy Partridge sings, “I don’t know how to write a big hit song.” Ironic, given that the track was quite popular on college radio at the time.
What Partridge and co. do know how to do is write well crafted songs, and 1989’s Oranges & Lemons is full of them. Not exactly known for having a sunny sound, the band turned around and made a record that sounds like something Brian Wilson would’ve come up with if he’d filled his living room full of and again. “Mayor of Simpleton” was the lead single, followed by “King For A Day.”
This track is from the pen of bassist Colin Moulding, who also wrote “Life Begins at the Hop,” “Generals And Majors, and “Making Plans For Nigel.”Moulding also takes over for Partridge on lead vocals here.
More:
Truth be told, Oranges and Lemons is a great album recorded by a band firing on all creative cylinders, and enjoying a modest resurgence in their commercial fortunes.
Read the rest of the review here.
Listen
“King For A Day” by XTC| Oranges And Lemons, 1989
Click the record to listen on your platform of choice.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this track!
Thanks for being here,
Kevin—
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Nice. I have something on XTC coming next week as it happens!
Oranges & Lemons is a great album, but Nonsuch is probably even better.